The hunt for the next chief executive of the Royal Opera House is finally reaching its conclusion. The Londoner learns interviews are taking place this week and next. The ROH, which hopes to announce a new head by the end of March, is having a tough time trying to find someone to step into Tony Hall’s intimidatingly impressive shoes.

The Telegraph yesterday speculated that the runners and riders included Nicholas Kenyon, managing director of the Barbican, former Culture Secretary Chris Smith and the Guardian’s dark horse, editor-in-chief Alan Rusbridger.

But a source tells me that some of these names are rather fanciful. The real contenders are Kathryn McDowell, managing director of the London Symphony Orchestra, and Alistair Spalding, chief executive of Sadler’s Wells. McDowell is already on good terms with the ROH team, while Spalding has managed to do a great deal at Sadler’s Wells with very little public funding.

As part of the job will include charming donations out of rich patrons, it is thought Rusbridger, the noble scourge of City fat cats, wouldn’t be so suited to the post after all. My mole says: ”We are looking for a very good manager, not a creative, as Covent Garden already has its directors of music, opera and ballet in place.”